1.1 Identify current legislation, national guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols in relation to moving and positioning individuals

This guide will help you answer 1.1 Identify current legislation, national guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols in relation to moving and positioning individuals.

Moving and positioning individuals safely is a key part of care work. Care workers must follow clear rules to protect both themselves and the individuals being moved. These rules come from laws, national guidelines, workplace policies, and procedures.

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the main piece of legislation covering workplace health and safety in the UK. It requires employers to keep staff safe and minimise risks during work. For moving and positioning, this includes:

• Providing proper training on safe techniques and equipment use.
• Ensuring the workplace has the right lifting equipment available.
• Identifying risks and assessing tasks beforehand.

Employees must also follow the training they’ve been given and use equipment properly.

Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR)

This regulation focuses specifically on manual handling tasks, such as lifting, lowering, carrying, or moving an individual. It applies when the manual handling of individuals poses a health or safety risk. Employers have a duty to:

• Avoid hazardous manual handling tasks when possible.
• Assess risks when manual handling can’t be avoided.
• Reduce risks as much as reasonably practicable.

Care workers need to follow any instructions or training provided to lower risks, such as using hoists or slide sheets when necessary.

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

This regulation builds on the Health and Safety at Work Act. It requires employers to:

• Carry out detailed risk assessments of tasks like moving and positioning.
• Put measures in place to reduce risks to staff and care recipients.
• Provide proper information, instruction, and supervision.

Workers are also asked to report unsafe situations or equipment and to participate in all safety processes.

Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 protects individuals from discrimination. In moving and positioning, this means:

• Adapting methods to meet the differing needs of each individual.
• Making reasonable adjustments for those with disabilities, such as providing specialist equipment or developing individual care plans.

Human Rights Act 1998

The Human Rights Act 1998 ensures people’s basic rights are respected. When moving and positioning, care workers must:

• Treat individuals with dignity during the process.
• Gain their consent before moving them.
• Respect their choices and preferences about how they are moved.

Failure to respect these rights can lead to harm or distress.

LOLER – Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998

LOLER applies to any lifting equipment used in care settings. Under this law, employers must:

• Ensure lifting equipment like hoists and slings are safe and regularly inspected.
• Provide equipment that meets safety standards.
• Train workers on using the equipment safely.

Any damaged or worn-out equipment must be removed immediately.

PUWER – Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

PUWER focuses on ensuring that all work equipment is suitable for its purpose. Employers need to:

• Maintain lifting and moving equipment.
• Ensure that equipment provided is safe to use.
• Support employees by providing adequate training.

Care workers must report any faults or issues with the equipment so that it can be repaired or replaced quickly.

National Guidelines for Moving and Positioning

Several national guidelines help care workers move and position individuals safely. Following these guidelines can prevent injuries and ensure high-quality care.

• NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) Guidance – NICE provides recommendations for safe handling techniques and ways to improve mobility while minimising harm.
• All-Wales NHS Manual Handling Training Passport and Information Scheme – This sets a national standard for handling training in Wales.
• Resuscitation Guidelines – Guidelines for safely handling individuals during emergencies without causing additional harm.

Policies and Procedures in the Workplace

Care organisations create their own workplace policies and procedures based on national laws and guidance. These documents make clear what employees are expected to do.

Examples include:

• Risk Assessments – Outlining how to assess dangers related to moving and positioning tasks.
• Moving and Handling Policies – Detailing acceptable practices, such as avoiding lone working when moving heavy individuals.
• Incident Reporting Procedures – Explaining how staff should report accidents or near-misses during handling tasks.

It is important for care workers to read these documents carefully and follow them during their work.

Protocols for Individual Care Plans

Protocols are specific instructions tailored to an individual’s needs. These plans ensure care workers take a person-centred approach.

Common steps include:

• Consulting the individual and their family about their preferences.
• Identifying any medical conditions or mobility issues.
• Using specific equipment listed in the care plan, such as hoists or transfer belts.

Protocols are reviewed regularly to account for any changes in the individual’s condition.

Equipment Requirements

There is a wide range of equipment used for safe handling. Employers must ensure they are available and well-maintained. Examples of equipment include:

• Hoists – Machines used to lift individuals who cannot move themselves.
• Sliding Sheets – Used to reduce friction when repositioning individuals in bed.
• Standing Aids – Help individuals who can assist with transfers but need support.
• Wheelchairs and Transfer Boards – Make transferring between locations easier.

Using the right equipment reduces physical strain on care workers and prevents injuries to individuals.

Training and Competency

Employers must provide comprehensive training in moving and positioning techniques. Care workers should be assessed regularly to check their skills and ensure they remain competent.

Training topics often include:

• Assessing risks before moving someone.
• Correct posture and techniques to prevent injuries.
• Using equipment, such as hoists or belts, safely and effectively.

Care workers must attend refresher courses and report if they feel unsure about any task.

The Consequences of Ignoring Safe Practices

Failing to follow laws and guidelines when moving and positioning can lead to serious consequences:

• For Individuals – Risk of physical harm, discomfort, or loss of dignity.
• For Care Workers – Injuries from poor lifting techniques. This can lead to long-term issues like back pain.
• For Employers – Legal action, fines, or damage to their reputation.

By properly understanding and applying these rules, everyone’s safety can be protected.

Final Thoughts

Moving and positioning individuals is a vital part of providing safe and respectful care. The laws, guidelines, policies, and protocols exist to protect everyone involved.

Care workers should stay up to date with their training, report unsafe conditions, and always act in the best interests of the individual being supported. Following these practices creates a safer, more positive environment for both care workers and those they assist.